Matale
Sri Lanka · Central Province · 364 m
Description
Matale (මාතලේ) lies in a fertile valley between Kandy and Dambulla and is an important centre of agriculture, culture and religion in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. North of the town stands Aluvihare, a historic cave temple traditionally associated with the first written recording of the Buddhist Pali Canon on palm leaves in the 1st century BCE. Matale is also known for its spice gardens, where cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and nutmeg are among the crops grown. In the town centre, the colourful Sri Muthumariamman Kovil features an imposing gopuram. Matale brings together Buddhist heritage, Hindu culture and Sri Lanka’s long-standing spice-growing traditions.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Aluvihare Rock Temple
- Spice gardens of the Matale valley
- Sri Muthumariamman Kovil
- Palm leaf manuscript library at Aluvihare
- Sembuwatta Lake(Day trip)
- Nalanda Gedige(Day trip)
- Riverston Peak and the Matale hills(Day trip)
- Bahirawakanda and the Matale market
- Spice cooking class
- Muthumariamman chariot festival (February - March)
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Matale, Elwala, Ukuwela